1975 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Honda Element
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 169 kg more than 1975 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1975 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520. 2009 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 2009 Honda Element | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Element |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
